VOL. I, NO. 13
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2017
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McAllen Predicts ‘SNOW’ for Christmas Parade According to McAllen City Commissioner Veronica Whitacre, standing in for Mayor Jim Darling, for one night only, McAllen will see snow. This year’s McAllen Holiday Parade will feature magical winter wonderland of gently falling snowflakes at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium only. Parade goers who want to experience a white Christmas should make plans to get their tickets as early as possible get the best seats in the house. The McAllen Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, starting at 6:00 p.m. at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, located at 2001 N. Bicentennial Boulevard, where the parade starts and where
premium seating is available. The 1.5 mile long parade features over 50 illuminated floats, more than 30 Macy’s-style helium balloons, an international array of celebrities of TV, film and music and countless bands from throughout the region and free seating on a first-come, first-
serve basis as it winds down Bicentennial. “I remember Christmases in Rochester, New York, where I grew up,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, reminiscing about his childhood. “It sure was fun – for a little while. But then, you had to shovel the sidewalks and streets out in the bitter cold. It lost its appeal very quickly. The snow in McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium during the McAllen Holiday Parade will be a real treat for every kid dreaming of snow at Christmas, without having to deal with the cold.” The snow will feel as soft as real falling snow. The snow canons can set the weather from a gentle falling snow to a fast flurry of flakes, all to recreate the
magical feel of snow. A private company has been hired to bring the snow to McAllen. City leaders pointed out that the McAllen Holiday is the signature destination event for McAllen. In three years, the McAllen Holiday Parade has become the event by which all events are measured and the impact of the parade continues to multiply: with more than 250,000 spectators, 3,500 participants; and 800 volunteers, as well as 1.8 Million TV viewers, and 8,708,981 social media impressions. “The McAllen Holiday Parade is a magical event, not only for our community and residents, but also for the businesses here
McAllen Tightens Smoking Rules, Enters SB 4 Case
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By Davis Rankin McAllen city commissioners at their meeting Monday night made it harder for smokers and it was also revealed that the city has weighed-in legally in the fight over the so-called ‘Show me your papers’ law in Texas. Commissioners voted to strengthen the city’s already existing ban on smoking in public venues so that smokers will no longer be able to smoke in parks or in inside bars and restaurants. The only
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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
OPINION
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CONGRESS NEEDS TO RECLAIM ITS WAR-MAKING POWERS
By EUGENE ROBINSON The Trump administration, its foreign policy largely shaped by military men, urgently needs to tell Congress and the American people what we’re doing in Niger -- and where else we’re doing it. Like most Americans, I had no idea that roughly 800 U.S. troops were deployed in the arid, landlocked West African nation, where four soldiers were
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killed in an ambush on Oct. 4. Much more troubling is the fact that many key members of Congress -- including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. -- were clueless as well. “We don’t know exactly where we’re at in the world, militarily, and what we’re doing,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a champion of the war against terrorism, said Sunday. President Trump, you will recall, promised during the campaign to scale back military deployments overseas. Of course, he promised a lot of things he cannot or will not deliver on. But he has a duty to let Americans know to what ends U.S. military force is being used around the world -- and where our troops are being sent into harm’s way. The weeklong focus on Trump’s phone call with the widow of one of the soldiers slain in Niger obscures the central question: Why were they there in the first place? The Constitution gives Congress, and only Congress, the authority to declare war. U.S. troop deployments in Niger, Yemen, Somalia and many other countries -- some we still may not know about -are being justified under umbrella laws, such as the 2001 authorization to use military force against al-Qaeda, or even the 1973 War Powers Resolution. But the main target of anti-terrorism operations in Niger and elsewhere is the Islamic State, along with its affiliates. Congress needs to do more than investigate the deaths. It needs to authorize this conflict -- or shut it down. Trump is hardly the first president to ignore the Constitution in wielding military power. All recent presidents have done so. But the makeup of the Trump administration makes the need more pressing for Congress to reclaim its war-making powers. Trump’s chief of staff, John F. Kelly, was a four-star Marine Corps general. His defense secretary, Jim Mattis, was another four-star Marine Corps general. His national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, was a three-star Army general. All three men occupy positions usually
filled by civilians. Meanwhile, Trump’s secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, is a businessman with no prior experience in government, politics or the military. As a practical matter, this means that the administration views the world’s problems mostly through a military prism. Generals whom I’ve met tend to be very smart -- and tend not to be reck-
be a dangerous combination in any commander, let alone the commander in chief. But the president respects military men, meaning that the generals may be able to keep him from doing something rash and apocalyptic that could get us all killed. On the other hand, Trump had a point when he pledged to reassess the role of the United States in world affairs. Inso-
The Trump administration, its foreign policy largely shaped by military men, urgently needs to tell Congress and the American people what we’re doing in Niger -- and where else we’re doing it. less with the lives of the young men and women in their charge. But Kelly, Mattis and McMaster have spent their careers wielding the mighty hammer that is the U.S. armed forces. And if what you know best is how to use a hammer, every problem tends to look like a nail. Thus the generals convinced Trump to send more troops to Afghanistan rather than bring U.S. forces home. They persuaded him to increase our military involvement in Syria. They appear to have changed his whole worldview from “America First” neo-isolationism to conventional hawkishness. I have mixed feelings about all of this. On most days, I feel that Kelly, Mattis and McMaster (along with Tillerson) are the last line of defense between our great nation and the abyss. Trump’s impulsiveness, belligerence and insecurity would
far as he’s doing anything, it’s the wrong thing: He’s giving us more military action and less diplomacy, when it ought to be the other way around. But Trump’s generals are not likely to come up with any sort of new paradigm for U.S. foreign policy, and I worry that the default posture is waging endless war in more and more places -- such as Niger. Are U.S. troops necessary to contain the spread of Islamist militancy in the Sahel? Does the presence of U.S. forces win hearts and minds, or does it harden them against us? Are we prepared to stay for months? Years? Generations? It’s past time for the people’s representatives in Congress to give Trump and the generals their marching orders. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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McAllen Predicts ‘Snow’ For Christmas Parade From Pg. 1
in town, for the multitude of partners, including businesses, organizations and the media who help sponsor this event and for all of the students who get to appear and for all of the volunteers who help participate in McAllen’s signature destination event,” said City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “Investing in the community capital created by the McAllen Holiday Parade may provide the most valuable long term returns available to our region. In fact, last year, the total economic impact on the region’s businesses and government resulting from the parade was $15.7 million.” Aside from sponsors and participants, volunteers are a critical part of the helping to make the McAllen Holiday Parade a success. Volunteers must be 18 years old and must submit to a background check to participate. Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston, who leads the parade marshals says it is one of the most exciting aspects of the parade, since they get to see the crowd’s reaction to the parade. Leading up to the McAllen Holiday Parade is Christmas in Park, held in Municipal Park, right next to the stadium. This year, the event will kick off on Thursday, November 30 with the Christmas carnival. Special halfprice all ride wristbands will be sold for the carnival that night only at various McAllen I.S.D. schools and the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department. Non-profit agencies who wish to make a little money and help parade goers find their perfect seats along the parade route should also contact the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department to sign up for parade route chair sales. Call 681-3111 to block off your section. Finally, the McAllen Holiday Parade continues its winning traditions as it picked up 23 awards at the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) an-
nual conference during the Pinnacle awards ceremony held at IFEA’s 62nd Annual Convention in Tucson, Arizona last month. The city’s signature event was presented with eight Gold; six Silver and nine Bronze awards, including being named BEST PARADE IN THE WORLD. These additional awards brings the McAllen Holiday Parade total trophy count to 92 from various industry associations in the past three years of the parade’s existence. “McAllen was up against the Tournament of Roses, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Kentucky Derby festivalsmajor players that are very good at what they do and so to be competitive in that market says a lot about McAllen,” said IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE. “ Congratulations to your city and its leadership for supporting these events and saying it’s important to our community, it’s a big deal.” “To be recognized as the Best Parade in the World makes us proud of what we do in the City of McAllen,” said Joe Vera, As-
sistant City Manager and MHP coordinator. “We have a great team in McAllen that has worked diligently to make this a signature event. Everyone works very hard to make this a spectacular event; from employees to sponsors and volunteers.” Sponsored by industry leader Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, the professional competition draws entries from among the world’s top festivals and events. Entries came from organizations as diverse as the 500 Festival in Indianapolis, INthe Fiesta Bowl, Scottsdale, AZ; the Sausalito Art Festival, Sausalito, CA; WA and Celebrations Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, Canada; the Singapore Garden Festival in Singapore; RedFilo Events, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Destination NSW; Feria Estatal de Leon, Leon, Mexico; Ludwig Van Beethoven Easter Festival, Krakow, Poland; and the Cuckoo Events, Dublin, Ireland. The McAllen Holiday Parade sponsors include La Plaza, A Simon Mall; Kraft; H-E-B; and Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships. Other sponsors include: L&F Distributors-Budweiser; City of McAl-
len Bridge Department; McAllen Public Utility; Dairy Queen; Lacks; Sprint; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP; McAllen Chamber of Commerce; McAllen Economic Development Corporation/Reynosa McAllen Maquila Association; McAllen International Airport; Anzalduas International Bridge; IBC Bank; Navy Army Community Credit Union; AEP Texas; Metro Connect; Stripes; City of McAllen Public Works-Recycling; Carollo Engineers; Palenque Grill; Peña Eye Clinic; Tres Lagos; ERO Architects; Halff Associates, Inc.;
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; Plains Capital Bank; BBVA Compass; South Texas College; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; B2Z Engineering; Inter-National Bank; Melden & Hunt, Inc.; AT&T; McAllen ISD; KSA Engineers; S&B Engineers; KNVO-Ch. 48 Univision; KGBT-Ch. 4, CBS; KRGV-Ch. 5, ABC; KTLM-Ch. 40, Telemundo; Univision Radio KGBT 98.5; R Communications; iHeartRadio Wild 104 FM; The Monitor; El Periódico, U.S.A.; Advance News Journal; Revista Expresión; and Mas Music.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED NONPROFIT CHAIR SALES Area nonprofits can earn some money by selling seating space along the parade route. They can call the McAllen Parks and Recreation Office at 681-3333. VOLUNTEERS Anyone wishing to participate as a volunteer in the parade, including as balloon handlers, banner carriers or parade marshals should sign up now at www.volunteersotx.org or by calling 681-3111.
SPONSORS Sponsorship opportunities are still available and interested businesses can contact Aida Moreno, Corporate Relations Manager for the City of McAllen at (956) 681-1017 or via e-mail at amoreno@mcallen. net. Look for more announcements on the parade in the next few weeks, including sponsors, media partners stars, promotions and special features new to this year’s event.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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Discover ‘Flower Of The Dead’ At MOSTHistory On Oct. 28 ‘Cempasúchil’ plays critical role in celebrations You’ve heard of Day of the Dead, but most people haven’t heard of the “Flower of the Dead.” “Cempasúchil: Flower of the Dead” is a celebration of life modeled on the intertwined traditions of Meso-American and Catholic cultures with food, drinks, music, dancing and memories of loved ones. The Museum of South Texas History (“MOSTHistory”), a museum that preserves and presents the heritage and histories of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, invites the community to discover and continue that tradition on Saturday, Oct 28 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the museum located in downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. According to MOSTHistory staff, in the fall of each year, in Mexican states like Oaxaca, Guerrero and the mountains of Michoacán, families guide the return of the souls of their ancestors with simple or elaborate wreaths, crosses and arches of cempasúchil (marigold) flowers. Representative of the sun, the “flower of 20 petals” is cultivated throughout the region and harvested in preparation for the return of the faithful departed. Home altars are adorned with freshly picked cempasúchil, and petals are often strewn on the floor to create a path for returning spirits. MOSTHistory’s community-built altar exhibit is always a highlight of the event and will be on display from Oct. 28 to Nov. 12. New this year, the Children’s Bereavement Center of the RGV will conduct a demonstration of traditional Mexican tapetes (sand art) where the community is invited to participate in creating the final art piece. Gravestones and tombs in the panteón (cemetery) are cleaned and
A family enjoyed Día de los Muertos festivities at MOSTHistory last year, taking in the various displays and activities.
decorated with ofrendas (gifts) and hundreds of cempasúchil flowers and candles. Returning this year is Screen Actors Guild member and artistic director of the Pharr Community Theater Company, Pedro García, for his live performance of The Life and Times of Juanito Gonzalez to take place in the panteón at 7 p.m. The main performance tent will feature performing talents from the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Festivities will open with Edinburg North H.S. Mariachi Oro followed by Edinburg North H.S. Conjunto Dorado Norteño. The dance stage will explode with color and music as dancers take to the stage. Performing this year are Las Palmas Community Center Ballet Folklórico of McAllen, Grupo Folklórico of Mission, ECISD Economedes H.S. Grupo Folklórico Jaguar, Alcorta’s Compañia de Danza Folklórica from Corpus Christi, Conceptos Entidad Dancística from Edinburg, Edinburg Folklórico Dance Team, Edinburg North H.S. Ritmo Dorado, EHS Ballet Folklórico Kuxtal, EHS n-Motion Dance Company,
PSJA North H.S. Grupo Folklórico and Mission Parks & Rec Ballet Folklórico. Joining us from San Antonio, Texas is the Tejano-Conjunto Latin rock band Rio Jordan. Continuing the legacy of local music legend Esteban (Steve) Jordan, the sons of Esteban will celebrate his accomplished musical career with a live performance. Rio Jordan will also be creating a special altar, to be featured in the museum’s Grand Lobby, to honor the memory of their lategreat father. UTRGV show choir group, Treble Thrivers, continues with performances of classic Mexican songs and acapella renditions of music from “The Book of Life.” The live music continues with post-progressive Latin rock band Dezorah, presented by Toro Booking. From the Rio Grande Valley, Dezorah’s music blends danceable rhythms with aggressive guitar riffs and soaring vocals that tell a story of life and beyond. Closing out the performances is Chulita Vinyl Club. With seven national chapters, Chulita Vinyl Club is an all-girl all-vinyl group aimed to bring together a community of classic
This community-built altar will be part of the exhibits to open on Oct. 28 for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
analog music fans. Visitors will discover more activities throughout the MOSTHistory including sugar skull decorating for $3 and free crafts like cardboard lanterns, paper calavera masks and paper cempasúchil flowers. Be sure to take photographs in front of the life sized monarch wings and eight foot tall flower archway. On display, in the Classroom, will be copies of prints from famed printmaker and engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada. UTRGV student organization, Book Buzz,
will be on hand to conduct Día de los Muertos read aloud performances for kids and families. MOSTHistory will be filled with the smells of foods and desserts. New this year is Nuri Food Truck serving their delicious Nuri Taco, Korean karnitas taco and Kimchi Rice with Fajita. Other favorite menu items include guisados en olla de barro (stews), pozole, elote en vaso (corn in a cup), roasted corn, fresh fruit cups, mango en flor (flower cut mango), fresh coconuts, fresas con crema (strawberries in cream), pan dulce (sweet bread), raspas, funnel fingers, nieve Mexicana (Mexican ice cream) and calaveritas de chocolate (chocolate skulls). Wash it all down with a cup of aguas frescas, sodas, sweet champurrado or a beer from McAllen based brewer Rabble Rouser Brewing Company (while supplies last). Artisan vendors will fill the MOSTHistory with goods like flower headbands, Oaxacan tops, textiles, handmade jewelry, embroidered jewelry from Cinco Wildflowers, ceramic skulls, Mexican chaquira jewelry, silver jewelry from Guerrero, Mexico, and balloon twisting by Balloons and Faces. Visit the pop-up botanica, by Rio Grande Valley curandera Danielle López, to discover local beliefs about healing medicine and folklore. Don’t forget to get in the Día de los Muertos spirit by getting your face painted like a calavera (skull) with any of the multiple face painters on site. The 14th annual Día de los Muertos festival is included in the regular museum admission: $7 adults (ages 18+); $5 seniors with ID (ages 62+) and students with ID (ages 13+); $4 for children (ages 4 to 12); free for children ages 3 and younger. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDships. For more information on the event or becoming a FRIEND of the Museum, call +1-956-383-6911.
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A Knowledgeable Guide Can Help During Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Fro 2018 Is Open From Oct. 15-Dec. 17 For many people, signing up for a Medicare plan can seem like entering a dark maze without an end in sight. With the annual Medicare enrollment period now open, working with an experienced guide can make the entire process smooth and relatively painless. “For most people, signing up for Medicare can seem really hard because there are many things to know and understand,” said Marta Jimenez, owner and licensed insurance broker at JimCo Insurance and Financial Services of McAllen. “But we can help you go through the process by explaining and informing you of all the choices available. That’s the key to selecting the correct plan for you: One that fits your needs, not someone else’s.” According to Jimenez, during the open enrollment period, people who are already enrolled in Medicare have a chance to review their plans and make any changes they think are necessary for next year. Those getting ready to turn 65 or otherwise becoming eligible for Medicare also have the opportunity to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan the first time through the Initial Enrollment time which begins 3 months before turning 65 and 3 months after turning 65 (a 7-month window). “There are different parts of Medicare that help cover specific services,” Jimenez explained. “It’s not just one thing. Medicare Part A covers 80% of a hospital stay and Medicare Part B covers 80% of medical services like doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Medicare A and B do not cover drug prescriptions; instead, the customer needs to add a prescription drugs plan or get it through a Medicare Advantage plan. According to Jimenez, if you are still working and have insurance through your employer you can postpone the enrollment on part B after your 65th
birthday, without penalty. If you are losing your employer coverage insurance, or it is no longer effective for you, then you need to visit your social security office to complete the enrollment on Part B. That is where JimCo comes in. “We can help you understand the different parts of Medicare and what your choices are and finally help you with your enrollment in any plan you choose.” “During the open enrollment period that runs from October 15, 2017 through December 7, anyone who is already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can make changes to their plans for next year,” Jimenez explained. Any change made during the annual enrollment period will take place on January 1, 2018. Jimenez added that there are two main ways to get Medicare coverage: Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). If you stay with Traditional Medicare A and B you can buy a Medicare supplement to cover the 20% and deductible that is not covered by Medicare. Also, you can add a stand-alone prescription drugs plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurance company with whom you sign-up will offer you a package with Medicare A and B benefits covered through them, and they can add the prescription drugs plan and additional benefits such as dental, vision, and transportation. “There are many different Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and prescription coverage plans. They provide different levels of coverage and benefits with different costs,” Jimenez said. “Not everyone needs the same level of coverage because each situation is different.” “We sit with our customers and get to know them and their personal retirement and health needs. That’s tremendously important in making all of these choices related to Medicare,” Jimenez said. “We take the time to listen to our customers and make sure that the choices they make really are what they need. We’re not going to offer them something that will not help them.” Jimenez’s office is located at 5520 N. McColl Rd. in McAllen. She can be reached at (956) 467-6994. Her website is: www.jimconisuranceservices. com.
Marta Jimenez, of Jimco Insurance Services, speaks with a group of people to explain the open enrollment period for Medicare the runs through Dec. 15, 2017.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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McAllen Tightens Smoking Rules,Enters SB 4 Case From Pg. 1
Edinburg Rotary presented Edinburg CISD administrators with gift cards to help students displaced by hurricanes during the Edinburg Rotary luncheon meeting at the Echo Hotel in Edinburg. (Pictured L-R): ECISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Dr. Rebecca Morrison, ECISD Parental Involvement Supervisor Sandra Rodriguez, ECISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez, Edinburg Rotary President Diane McLarty, and Edinburg Rotary Board Member John De La Garza.
Edinburg Rotary Donates $3,400 For ECISD Students Displaced By Hurricanes
Edinburg Rotary recently donated $3,400 in gift cards to Edinburg CISD to help students displaced by the hurricanes in Texas and Puerto Rico. Currently, there are 16 students attending classes at Edinburg CISD who were displaced by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and one student displaced by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. “Our club was happy to be able to support students who are new to the Edinburg school district. These are students who were displaced by hurricanes and are now members of our school district,” Edinburg Rotary President Diane McLarty said. “We wanted to find a way to help students locally.” The Edinburg Rotary received a district grant to buy $100 gift cards for 17 students to purchase school supplies, clothing and other items that they may have lost during the hurricanes, McLarty said. The district grant was matched by the Edinburg Rotary to provide an additional $1,700 for those students, which totaled $3,400 in gift cards. “We are going to make sure that all of these students receive the benefits from these donations, so that we can make their lives a little easier,” Edinburg CISD Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez told
the Rotarians during their luncheon meeting at the Echo Hotel. “We welcome them to our district. And we will do everything we can to provide them with an education.” Edinburg CISD Parental Involvement Supervisor Sandra Rodriguez said that she and her staff will be meeting with the students and their families at Walmart to help them select the items that they need. “It was amazing to see the students’ wish list of the items that they were needing. They were asking for a hairbrush, a tooth brush and towels to be able to shower,” Rodriguez said. “These are basic items that they are needing to be able to get through the day, to be able to get to school, and to feel good about themselves.”
exemptions commissioners made will be ‘cigar bars’ in which 40 percent or more of its revenues come from the sale of tobacco products. The Tobacco Prevention and Control Coalition – an anti-smoking group developed by the local American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and other groups – brought in a group of their volunteers to voice support for the ordinance. The TBCC had originally pushed for complete ban on smoking without exceptions. McAllen is the last major city in South Texas not to adopt a comprehensive ban on smoking. On the other side, some bar owners had voiced their opposition to the newly enacted ban. They complained that the new rules would negatively impact their sales and drive customers to other locations and cities where they could eat, drink and smoke. The new ordinance could go into effect as late as January 1, 2018. When the vote was taken after about 20-30 minutes of discussion, Commission-
ers Aida Ramirez, Veronica Vela Whitacre, Richard Cortez and Omar Quintanilla voted in favor of the new restrictions and Commissioners John Ingram and J.J. Zamora voted against. On Texas Senate Bill 4, passed earlier this year by the Texas Legislature, City Attorney Kevin Pagan informed reporters that McAllen has joined an ‘Amici Curiae’ brief, also known as a Friend of the Court brief, arguing that the law is unconstitutional. The law was passed, in part, to forbid ‘sanctuary cities’ in Texas in which the police harbor illegal aliens by not informing federal immigration authorities that police have them in custody. The law provides for tough penalties against police and elected officials in those cases. The law is being challenged in federal court and is now on appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. McAllen is not joining the lawsuit, Pagan emphasized, only joining nine other cities and a number of other organizations, including The U.S. Conference of Mayors, arguing that the law unconstitutionally interferes in city functions.
STC To Holds Career Fair Oct. 25-26 If you’re a jobseeker looking for employment in facilities operation and maintenance or food service, South Texas College is now hiring. STC is looking for qualified candidates who will be employed at new facilities opening soon at the College. The career fair will be held today and tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at STC’s Office of Human Resources located at 2501 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. STC will be looking to fill positions for plumbers, custodians, lead custodians, carpenters, floor technicians, a locksmith, an operations energy manager, cook I, and lead cooks. Department representatives will be present to discuss available positions and accept resumes. “South Texas College is seeking exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission. As a continuously expanding institution, we are seeking to develop careers and recruit talented individuals who want to excel in one of our exciting career opportunities,” said Lizette Moreno, HR Staffing Support Specialist at South
Texas College. “If you want to work for an institution who encourages their employees to expand their knowledge and develop their careers through growth opportunities and continuing education, come work at South Texas College.” Jobseekers are asked to visit https:// stcjobs.peopleadmin.com to review and apply for current positions ahead of time. If jobseekers need assistance with their applications, Human Resources staff will be available at the career fair. Please bring a resume, cover letter and copies of transcripts to complete the application process.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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Dentist, Doctor Honored For State Leadership Roles
State Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra honored Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas and Dr. Jose “Joey” Cazares for their leadership roles in statewide medical associations. Guerra sponsored the resolution in the Texas House of Representatives that honored the two. “Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas, MD, and Dr. Jose “Joey” Cazares, DDS, both of McAllen, were elected by their peers from across the state to serve as the president of Texas Medical Association (TMA) and president of Texas Dental Association (TDA), respectively,” Guerra noted. “This year, a couple of Valley-native trailblazers earned their rightful seat as the heads of two of the largest and most influential professional associations in the state of Texas.” “The Rio Grande Valley is often referred to as one of the fastest growing regions in the state,” Guerra said. “Whether it’s our bolstering economy, the rising population, or the emergence of more educational opportunities, there’s no question that the Valley has begun to make a name for itself as a major player in every facet of the state. As our community continues to grow in size and influence, we must ensure that our voice is always heard in statewide conversations.” “However, these doctors happen to share much more than their notable leadership positions. They both grew up in McAllen, attended the same public schools as classmates, participated in the school band, and graduated together from McAllen High School in 1977,” Guerra said.
Texas Rep. R. D. “Bobby” Guerra, center, presented state proclamations honoring Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas and Dr. Jose “Joey” Cazares for taking leadership roles in statewide medical associations.
“They recall fond childhood memories of each other and have remained friends even when they both went away to college to complete their undergraduate and professional education.” Upon completing their schooling and training, they returned to McAllen as practicing doctors--Carlos Cardenas, a Doctor of Medicine in Gastroenterology, and Joey Cazares, a Doctor of Dental Surgery--ready to provide care and improve the public health of their hometown community. With, Dr. Cardenas began his medical career in 1985 and has nearly three
decades of experience in medicine and health care administration. He helped co-found South Texas Gastroenterology Associates in 1991, where he currently practices. He previously served as president of the Hidalgo-Starr Medical Society, and was also elected to the TMA Board of Trustees in 2005. Dr. Cardenas serves as Chairman of the Board at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Under his tenure, the organization has witnessed significant expansion and is now often recognized as one of the largest physician-owned facilities in the United States. Dr. Cardenas was also instrumen-
tal in opening a teaching hospital and residency program that will host students from the new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. “Dr. Cardenas is fully committed to mentoring and molding the next generation of physicians, and retaining local talent to continue improving healthcare in the Valley. His service as the 2017-2018 President of TMA marks only the second time a Valley doctor has held the position in the association’s 150-year history,” Guerra said. Dr. Cazares’ election to serve as the 2017-2018 President of TDA makes him the first ever from the Rio Grande Valley in the association’s history. Some of his previous positions include: past president of the RGV District Dental Society, RGV Academy of General Dentistry, Dentists Who Care, Inc. (a local charity funded by area dentists) and the Texas Academy of General Dentistry. He also participates in policy discussions at the national level, where he currently serves as a member of the Academy of General Dentistry’s Legislative and Governmental Affairs. His experience in state policy spans two decades, and he has long been a champion for providing more dental access for patients, especially for those with very limited income. “Dr. Cardenas and Dr. Cazares demonstrate the leadership and talent that is produced in South Texas, and the entire Rio Grande Valley is immensely proud of them for their service to our community and to our state,” Guerra said.
Pharr Officials Celebrate Start of 2017-2018 Produce Season
Pharr City and Bridge officials and representatives from the produce industry try some of the fruits and vegetables coming across the Pharr International Bridge.
On Tuesday, October 10th, surrounded by an array of colorful fruits and vegetables, City of Pharr Officials and the Pharr International Bridge welcomed produce representatives, community members, and elected officials to a celebration marking the start of the 2017-2018 produce season. The tantalizing smells of lemon, watermelon, and papaya wafted through the room as guests were offered samples of the many produce products that serve as the driving force of Pharr’s economic trade. The Pharr International Bridge has evolved into the largest land port for fruits and vegetables in the nation. The Pharr International Bridge crosses more than 60% of all the fresh produce coming
from Mexico through Texas land ports of entry; this number is expected to grow by more than 50% in the next 3-4 years. “Produce is the economic driver of our city and international bridge,” said Bridge Director Luis Bazan. “We celebrate the beginning of the produce season and thank our produce importers, suppliers, and distributors who contribute to the economic success of our port of entry, our city, and our region,” Bazan continued. Keynote speakers for the celebration included: Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Texas State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr., both of whom highlighted the prominence of the produce market and the Pharr International Bridge’s position as one of the most important ports of entry for the U.S. Mexico border.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
US Rep. Gonzalez Headlines Edinburg Chamber Public Affairs Luncheon
TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon explains the new requirements for air travelers that are going into effect at McAllen Miller International Airport in November, along with Ana De Leon (center) and Johana Almanza (right), TSA officers.
Air Travelers To Face New Requirements For Electronic Gear
In response to new and evolving threats from terrorists and others, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration will implement new requirements for air travelers carrying electronic gear. While the TSA is not adding anything to the list of restricted or prohibited items, new procedures have been implemented the Harlingen and Brownsville airports and will start in November at McAllen Miller International Airport. The new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports across the country, TSA will expand these measures to all U.S. airports by the end of the year. As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image. Speaking at a press conference to an-
nounce the implementation of the new procedures at the McAllen airport, TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon said it is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks; however, through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags. Harmon stressed that passengers are advised to arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled departure to account for potential delays. She added that there are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The new rules do not apply to passengers enrolled the TSA Pre-check program who are using TSA Pre-check lanes. Passengers can visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov or on Twitter at @tsa for more information. Passengers can send in photos of items they may want to get feedback on whether the item can be carried on and whether it needs to be put in a carrier tray separately at the check point.
X New TSA rules require air travelers to place all electronic gear in the inspection bins separate and not stacked one on top of the other. The graphic shows how the items should be separated.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee will hold its legislative update with a presentation from U. S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who represents the Congressman 15th Congressional Vicente Gonzalez District of Texas. Set for Monday, Oct. 30, the luncheon will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance at 118 Paseo Del Prado in Edinburg. Tickets are $20 per person, and tables of eight are available at $200 per table. Vicente Gonzalez serves in the United States Congress as the elected representative of the 15th District of Texas, which encompasses the counties of Brooks, Duval, Jim Hogg, Karnes, and Live Oak as well as portions of Guadalupe, Hidalgo, and Wilson counties. Gonzalez earned his GED in 1985
before attending Del Mar College where he received an Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance in 1990. He worked his way through college at Embry Riddle University where many of his classmates were active duty military personnel. He earned a BS degree in Business Aviation in 1992 and later earned a J. D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 1996. Rep. Gonzalez says he was influenced by his father, a Korean War veteran, to help individuals fight for their rights and practiced law for 20 years. In Congress, Gonzalez said his priorities include fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare and to ensure that veterans, military members, and their families have the care and compensation they earned. Edwards Abstract and Title Co. is the Public Affairs Luncheon title sponsor. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974 or email: membership@edinburg.com by Friday, Oct. 217.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Pharr Launches Search For New PD Chief The Pharr City Commission has taken the first step in finding a new leader for the Police Department after the abrupt resignation of the Chief of Police three weeks ago. On October 2, the City released an announcement that Pharr Police Chief Ruben Villescas and Assistant Chief Javier Gonzalez retired on the same day. No further details were provided by the city about the retirement and why the two retired at the same time. During a special called meeting last week, city commissioners gave approval for staff to start advertising a Request for Proposals from qualified human resources consulting firms to help in recruiting and screening potential candidates for the Chief of Police position. The scope of the search has not been released but may potentially draw candidates from across the country. The motion did not mention a replacement for the assistant chief. There was no information provide on whether that would be done internally or if it would be part of the request for proposals. According to a statement provided by the city, “Given the importance of the position of Police Chief, the city must work in partnership with a human resources consulting firm to assist the city in locating and recruiting the most qualified candidate.” In other business, Assistant City Manager Ed Wylie announced that sales tax collection activity for the City of Pharr as of the month of October 2017 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. This report is the first month of the city’s fiscal year and represents sales activity for the month of August 2017. The report showed an overall positive trend in the amount of $57,062, an increase of 4.33% for this time period. The City of Pharr still ranks 4th compared to nine other cities in the Rio Grande Valley in annual sales collections. This is the 11th month of actual sales for the fiscal year 2016-2017.
To date, the City of Pharr sales tax activity is up 1.44%, which equates to $220,353 from this point of the fiscal year compared to last year. The city commission also approved an ordinance adopting a unanimous settlement agreement, setting rates and establishing tariffs for the provision of natural gas service by Texas Gas Service Company within the City of Pharr. In June 2017, Texas Gas Service filed a Statement of Intent seeking to increase gas utility rates within the incorporated areas of the Rio Grande Valley Service Area. Pharr was one of the Rio Grande Valley municipalities that suspended the company’s implementation of its rate request from July 20 to October 18, 2017. After numerous settlement discussions, the parties were able to negotiate a full settlement that reduced the company’s request from $5.17 million to $4.1 million. The agreed-to increase also reflects a residential customer charge of $15.52, down from the Company’s requested $20.00. The city commission authorized the Pharr Police Department and the State of Texas to implement the FY2018 State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program. This grant concentrates on Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement. The City of Pharr Police Department conducted speed, occupant protection, and hazardous moving violation surveys in 2017 on city streets, which indicated a need for commercial vehicle enforcement for speeding violations and hazardous moving violations. The Pharr Police Department has worked two fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles and/ or pedestrian and vehicles in 2017. The total grant award is in the amount of $16,523.26, with funding coming from the Texas Department of Transportation and a local match; funds will be designated as overtime hours for police officers to work enforcement concentrating on commercial vehicle violations.
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